Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog treated successfully for air embolism during limb amputation
By de Celis Perez, Clara Maria et al.·Published in Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia·2025·University of Glasgow, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful management of a suspected air embolism during anaesthesia in a dog undergoing thoracic limb amputation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 11-year-old male Springer Spaniel was brought in for amputation of his right front leg due to ongoing lameness. During the surgery, the dog's breathing and heart rate changed dramatically, and his oxygen levels dropped, indicating a possible air embolism (air bubble in the blood). The veterinary team quickly diagnosed the issue and worked together to stabilize him, successfully restoring his breathing and heart function within 40 minutes. The surgery was completed, and the dog was able to go home afterward, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing this serious complication during surgery.
People also search for: dog amputation recovery · air embolism in dogs · Springer Spaniel surgery complications
Abstract
An 11-year-old, male, castrated, Springer Spaniel dog presented for right thoracic limb amputation due to chronic lameness. The dog was otherwise healthy. During brachial plexus dissection, end-tidal carbon dioxide dropped from 6.3 kPa to 1.3 kPa (47-10 mmHg) over 30 seconds, heart rate and spontaneous respiratory rate increased, and peripheral arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation decreased from 98% to 78%. Initial patient assessment excluded equipment malfunction and cardiopulmonary arrest, prompting interdisciplinary conversation and targeted diagnostics. Arterial blood gas analysis, combined with the surgeons locating an entrainment point for air in the axillary vein, substantiated a diagnosis of vascular air embolism. Coordinated multidisciplinary interventions restored cardiorespiratory parameters within 40 minutes. The surgery was completed and the dog was successfully discharged. This report highlights the risk of venous air embolism during limb amputation and the importance of early recognition.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40118772/